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2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

As previously noted in other mock draft threads, the picks are based on how I have players ranked as well as what I think teams will be looking for based on their current roster. This is purely meant for fun and discussion.

Draft order is based on current NFL record as well as playoff standing, which is represented by an asterisk.

ROUND 1

1. Houston (2-13) – Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina (6’6” 275lbs). A lot of Texans’ fans will probably boo this pick, but the Texans were presented with a similar situation a few years ago when they took Mario Williams over Vince Young, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush. Clowney is clearly taking it easy this season so he doesn’t get hurt, but just watch the tape. The guy is pretty much unblockable and Clowney lined up across from JJ Watt would be pretty fun to watch.

2. St. Louis [from Washington (3-12)] – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan (6’8” 305lbs). Lewan is built similarly to left tackles like Ryan Kalil and Nate Solder. He’s long and lean with quick feet. Lewan is also an adept run blocker from when Rich Rodgriguez was the coach at Michigan and ran an option-run offense. The Rams have had some issues on the offensive line for a few seasons now and Sam Bradford looks to be evolving into a David Carr because of how many hits he takes. Lewan could start at right tackle and replace Jake Long since he can’t stay healthy anymore.

3. Jacksonville (4-11) – Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville (6’3” 220lbs). How fortunate would it be for Jacksonville to have the top quarterback slide to them in the draft? It is completely feasible. Chad Henne is a good back up and he can win some games, but he isn’t someone the Jags can actually build an offense around and Blaine Gabbert is as good as done. There isn’t a lot of tape on Bridgewater playing against top tiered competition, but he played very well against Florida in their bowl game last season. Additionally, Bridgewater is a very accurate passer with nice mobility.

4. Oakland (4-11) – Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA (6’4” 240lbs). The Raiders definitely have some problems on offense, but their defense has been really bad. They’ve given up 393 points thus far, which is 29th in the NFL; pretty bad. Their recent game against the Chiefs really showcased how bad their defense is by letting Charles produce 4 touchdowns and over 200 total yards. Anthony Barr can play multiple positions and is arguably the best defensive player in this draft after Jadeveon Clowney. He is super athletic, strong against the run, is an excellent pass rusher and does very well in space. The Raiders should take him without thinking twice and use him all day like the Broncos use Von Miller.

5. Atlanta (4-11) – Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M (6’5” 305lbs). Though the Aggies have Matthews listed at 6’5”, I think he’ll probably come in around 6’4” or maybe even 6’3” and change. He is a fantastic lineman prospect with a lot of upside, but probably not as a left tackle. Still, it is good to know that he could provide depth there. Atlanta’s defense is terrible, but with Barr and Clowney gone, I don’t see another top-10 defensive player in this draft. Matt Ryan has been sacked 34 times this year, which is the most of his career. Atlanta needs help along their offensive line and Matthews could start at right tackle or either guard spot.
6. Cleveland (4-11) – Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State (6’3” 215lbs). I know the last name might make people a bit nervous, but I actually think Derek Carr is leaps and bounds better than his older brother, David Carr, ever was. Derek is the main reason why Fresno State is undefeated this year and he just has an absolute gun on him with a very quick release. He can make every throw and teams that play in the elements definitely factor in arm strength when drafting quarterbacks. Cleveland started playing pretty well when they got good quarterback play from Brian Hoyer. The Browns have nice receivers, they just need a quarterback to bring it all together and Carr has an ideal skill set for their vertical offense.
7. Tampa Bay (4-11) – Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson (6’1” 205lbs). As a starting quarterback, Mike Glennon has won 4 out of the last 6 games. Tampa has a lot of issues and I’m not sure if Greg Schiano will be given another year or not, but in the last 6 weeks the Bucs have beaten a very good Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins team with Glennon under center. That is also without their star running back, a starting receiver (Mike Williams) and their #1 tight end (Tom Crabtree). I think Glennon will be given another chance and getting a dynamic playmaker like Sammy Watkins could really open their offense up. Watkins has elite speed, but is also an accomplished route runner. He is arguably the best offensive player in this draft.
8. Minnesota (4-10-1) – Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida (6’4” 230lbs). I don’t think there is anyone who watches football that could say the Vikings are “good to go” at quarterback. They picked up Josh Freeman and are paying him to sit the bench right now. Christian Ponder has moments of brilliance, but he is far too inconsistent. Matt Cassell is a decent player, but he can’t carry the team. Bortles has been a fast riser and some scouts think he is better than Teddy Bridgewater. In two seasons he has thrown for nearly 50 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions and he has rushed for 13 more.
9. Tennessee (6-9) – James Hurst, OT, North Carolina (6’7” 315lbs). Hurst isn’t as widely known as guys like Lewan and Matthews, but in my opinion he is the best left tackle prospect in this draft. He has ideal size with quick feet and a nice drop step. He isn’t the best run blocker in this group, but he does a nice job sealing defenders away from the run. Tennessee is heading into an off-season where there will likely be a lot of changes. One big change is that David Stewart is a free agent and may not return. Additionally, Michael Roos will be a free agent in 2015. Tennessee could do with getting younger at tackle.

10. Buffalo (6-9) – Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee (6’6” 320lbs). This draft is full of excellent offensive depth, especially along the offensive line. Buffalo has given up 43 total sacks this season and there are already some questions about whether EJ Manuel can stay healthy for a full season. Buffalo needs to get better pass protection otherwise; he may not be able to stay healthy. Erik Pears is a free agent and on the wrong side of 30, so I could see Buffalo looking to find a good replacement at right tackle. Richardson is a massive tackle with nice footwork as a pass blocker. He fared very well against some of the top pass rushers in the SEC, including Jadevon Clowney. Richardson is also a fantastic run blocker.

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

11. New York Giants (6-9) – Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame (6’3” 340lbs). This is a typical Jerry Reese (the Giants’ GM) pick. Nix is one of the best players available at this point and he fills a need along the defensive line, which has been really bad this season. The Giants are 20th in points against and are tied at 27th for total sacks. Nix is much more than just a space eating defensive tackle though. He can take on multiple blockers and free up other players, but he has extremely quick feet and hands for a big man and he is more than capable of putting pressure on quarterbacks.

12. Pittsburgh (7-8) – CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama (6’3” 235lbs). For the first time in a long time, Pittsburgh’s defense is not a top tiered defensive unit. They are 20th in fumble recoveries, 15th in points against, 11th in yards against, 27th in rushing touchdowns against and they’re tied with Detroit and Atlanta for the third fewest team sacks in the league with 28. Mosley was a leader at Alabama on the field and off the field. He has very underrated athleticism and plays with a high motor against the run and in pass coverage. The Steelers cannot continue on with Larry Foote and Vince Williams lined up beside Lawrence Timmons and expect the middle of their defense to magically get better.

13. New York Jets (7-8) – Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson (6’3” 235lbs). Beasley is another fast riser as a pass rush specialist. Though Rex Ryan is a defensive genius, the Jets have been really bad this year and are 29th in points against. To make matters worse, their corners depend on a thriving pass rush and other than Muhamad Wilkerson; the Jets haven’t been able to generate consistent pressure. Calvin Pace is having a nice year with 9 sacks, but he is pretty old and relatively ineffective against the run. Additionally, they have Quinton Coples playing out of position as an outside linebacker and he just doesn’t have the range to do so. Beasley is a quick twitch athlete that would be an ideal rush outside linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 defensive scheme.

14. St. Louis (7-8) – Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA (6’3” 230lbs). In my opinion, Sam Bradford is done. He isn’t a bad quarterback when he is actually on the field, but he plays scared and he doesn’t trust his ability. Those are things that no amount of coaching can change, so I really think the Rams need to figure their quarterback situation out. Hundley has a nice arm and he brings an added wrinkle with mobility and toughness. He is hard to bring down and has a nose for the end zone. In addition to completing nearly 70% of his passes and 22 passing touchdowns to 9 interceptions, he has also compiled nearly 1,000 yards rushing and 18 rushing touchdowns in two seasons.

15. Detroit (7-8) – Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State (6’ 199lbs). Chris Houston is doing a nice job for Detroit and rookie Darius Slay is decent, but you can never have enough corners in the NFL and Detroit’s back end has suffered from poor cornerback play for several years. When you have a 68 year old Rashean Mathis starting, there are problems. Gilbert is a big corner with good press skills and smooth coverage skills. He has big play ability and has 6 interceptions on the year, 2 of which were returned for touchdowns.

16. Green Bay (7-7-1) – Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina (6’4” 245lbs). Ebron is a decent blocker, but he is best used as an offensive weapon in the passing attack. In 2013, with shaky quarterback play, Ebron has nearly 900 yards on 55 receptions. He has nice, fluid movements as a receiver and his speed is solid for a 245-250lb tight end. Once Jermichael Finley went down with a neck injury, the Packers were unable to use the middle of the field very well in their passing attack. Finley wasn’t great, but his receiving ability kept defenses honest and kept safeties inside the hashes, which allowed Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb to be in single coverage.

17. Dallas (8-7) – Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame (6’6” 315lbs). When Dallas parted ways with Jay Ratliff, it wasn’t on good terms because Dallas knew that their defense was going to suffer without Ratliff in the middle of their line. Jason Hatcher has played really well, but he is 31 years old and they don’t have anyone else to line up beside him. Tuitt is a long defensive lineman with long arms and good pass rushing skills. I think he’d be a good fit for Monte Kiffin’s Cover-2 defensive scheme because he would be able to collapse the pocket from the inside and free up other lineman to get after the quarterback.

18. San Diego (8-7) – Jason Verrett, CB, Texas Christian (5’10” 177lbs). San Diego is 26th in the NFL with only 10 interceptions. Their defense hasn’t been that great against the pass this season and a big reason is because they’re unable to capitalize on turnover opportunities. Additionally, when the Denver Broncos are on the schedule twice per season, it is a good thing to have several different cornerbacks that can cover. Verrett is small, but tough as nails and isn’t afraid to get physical with bigger receivers. He has outstanding closing speed and good ball skills. If he were 2 inches taller and 15lbs heavier, he’d be a top-10 pick I think.

19. Baltimore (8-7) – Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M (6’4” 225lbs). It is time for Baltimore to pull the trigger on a receiver that can legitimately develop into a #1 receiver in the NFL. Torrey Smith is a really good player, but he leaves a lot of plays on the field. I think Evans could drop a bit because he is a long-stride runner, which doesn’t always translate to a great 40-yard dash time. However, the Ravens need someone who can use their body to create separation and Joe Flacco desperately needs someone else that he can look to in the red zone.

20. Arizona (10-5) – Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama (6’6” 310lbs). Kouandjio is a raw tackle with an enormous amount of upside. He has the size and athleticism to develop into an elite left tackle. He actually reminds me a lot of Trent Williams or Russell Okung. If Kouandjio can develop, he could easily be as good as or better than those two. Arizona has avoided the left tackle position for a few years now and while Bruce Arians has done a remarkable job getting the Cardinals into playoff contention with average quarterback play from Carson Palmer, the Cardinals should really take this opportunity to get better along the line.

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

21. Miami* (8-7) – Cyril Richardson, OG/T, Baylor (6’5” 330lbs). Against Buffalo last weekend, Ryan Tannehill was sacked 6 times, went out with a knee injury, came back in and was subsequently sacked on the very next play. Miami’s offensive line is bad and they just need to take the best overall offensive lineman that is available at this point and in my opinion that would be Cyril Richardson. He does a great job in pass protection and he is excellent as a run blocker. If there weren’t as many tackles and quarterbacks with first round grades in this class, I think Richardson could go a lot higher.

22. Philadelphia* (9-6) – Ra’shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota (6’6” 311lbs). Once Nick Foles took over, the Eagles’ offense miraculously began putting up points and yards week after week. Foles makes great decisions with the ball and he has nice accuracy on all of his passes. The Eagles have improved on defense, but overall they could still stand to get better. Additionally, Hageman is one of the best players available at this point in the draft. He has a quick burst, which gives him a nice ability to get into the backfield and disrupt plays.

23. Chicago* (8-7) – Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford (6’6” 266lbs). It seems like the Bears have drafted quite a few defensive ends, but Julius Peppers will be 34 years old in January 2014 and there are signs that he is starting to slow down. He only has 6.5 sacks this season, a far cry from where he used to be. Part of the problem is Chicago’s entire defensive line has been dealing with the injury bug, but I think they’d have a tough time passing up on Murphy. He has a nice variety of pass rushing skills and he currently leads all of NCAA in sacks. In addition, Murphy is someone that could legitimately be an every down defensive end.

24. Cleveland [from Indianapolis* (10-5)] – Marqise Lee, WR, USC (6’ 195lbs). The Browns have two big-bodied receivers that can line up at the X and Z positions, but they’re still lacking that #3 receiving threat out of the slot. Lee has had somewhat of a down year, but a lot of that has to do with poor quarterback play. When Matt Barkley was at USC, Lee had over 1,700 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns. Lee runs excellent routes and is difficult to bring down after the catch. A lot of teams are going to be trying to slow down Josh Gordon, so Cleveland could definitely use someone in the slot making plays.

25. Cincinnati* (10-5) – Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo (6’3” 250lbs). Mack is a jack-of-all-trades linebacker. He can line up as a defensive end and rush the passer, similar to Von Miller. He also has enough athleticism and speed to play in space, chase down ball carriers and cover receivers. For the year, Mack has 94 tackles, 19 for loss, 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions and multiple passes defensed. The Bengals were really hoping that James Harrison would be able to make more of an impact, but he just isn’t a good fit as a 4-3 Sam linebacker.

26. New Orleans* (10-5) – Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State (6’6” 315lbs). Erving is a fast riser as a left tackle prospect. He has done an outstanding job opening up running lanes for the Seminoles as well as protecting Jameis Winston. He is still a bit raw, but his technique has gotten a lot better as the season progressed and his athleticism is quite obvious on tape. The Saints yanked Charles Brown after giving up multiple sacks in a game and when they started rookie Terron Armstead the next week against Carolina, he too gave up far too many sacks. The Saints go as Drew Brees goes and they need to ensure that his blind side is protected. Armstead may be athletic, but I think he is better suited as a guard or right tackle, not on the left side.

27. San Francisco* (11-4) – Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State (5’11” 190lbs). Roby has had a bit of a difficult season and has had some issues with drawing penalties. However, he is aggressive and has a knack for the big play. I actually think his style of play would work well with what San Francisco does on the defensive side of the ball. Their front-7 is able to generate a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and Roby is always looking for the big play. Sometimes it works out for him and other times it doesn’t. Roby was dominated by Wisconsin receiver Jared Abbrederis, but I think there is enough upside with Roby to make an attacking defense strongly consider him in the bottom of round 1.

28. Carolina* (11-4) – Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State (6’5” 235lbs). Though Benjamin has only produced one strong season, his physical presence and speed is something that I think a lot of teams will covet. He became a go-to receiver for Jameis Winston down the stretch and has averaged nearly 20 yards per reception. Cam Newton has improved a lot as a quarterback, but they haven’t given him a lot of weapons to really work with. Considering Steve Smith’s age and Greg Olsen is the only other legitimate receiver, it is time for Carolina to bring in someone with enough upside to develop into a #1.

29. Kansas City* (11-4) – Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington (6’6” 260lbs). Though he has some off-field/character concerns, Seferian-Jenkins is a very talented player that can dominate as a receiver and contribute as a blocker. Right now, the Chiefs have a lot of blocking tight ends with not a lot of athleticism. Alex Smith has done a lot of great things in Andy Reid’s offense, but his receivers drop a lot of passes. I think someone like Seferian-Jenkins would give them a legitimate receiving threat in the red zone and the middle of the field. Andy Reid has never shied away from taking players with potential red flags and I don’t see him going super conservative in Kansas City.

30. New England* (11-4) – Haha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama (6’1” 210lbs). Clinton-Dix got into some trouble which led to his being suspended for a few weeks, but when he is on the field there is no denying that he can be a dynamic player. He has nice hands for a safety and he can give the Patriots added coverage ability in their secondary. Clinton-Dix is also willing to stick his shoulders into ball carriers and play around the line of scrimmage. The Pats seem to have had some issues with their safety position the past few seasons, but Clinton-Dix would be arguably the most talented safety they’ve drafted in several years.

31. Denver* (12-3) – Domonique Easley, DE, Florida (6’2” 285lbs). This is a bit of a risky pick because Easley tore his ACL earlier this season. However, prior to that, Easley was just dominating offensive linemen. He moved around the line quite a bit and played on the right side, left side and he played a bit at tackle as well. Had Easley stayed healthy there is a legitimate chance that his performance would have shot him up the draft board into top-15 discussions. The Broncos don’t necessarily “need” another pass rusher, but if Easley pans out, the Broncos could have an incredible pass rush with Von Miller, Derek Wolfe and Easley.

32. Seattle* (12-3) – Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida (6’1” 200lbs). Purifoy is an aggressive corner with cockiness about him. That type of personality would fit in extremely well with Seattle’s defense. He doesn’t have elite speed, but he is physical and does a nice job diagnosing plays quickly and reacting quickly. He also is willing to take gambles here and there and go for the big interception rather than letting a receiver make the catch before tackling them. Again, I think his skill set and the way he plays corner is an ideal fit for Seattle. Brandon Browner is suspended indefinitely by the NFL, so Seattle is all of a sudden thin at corner. Part of the reason Seattle’s defense has been so good is because of the Browner/Richard Sherman tandem. Purifoy could pair nicely with Sherman while Browner attempts to apply for reinstatement.

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

I would LOVE Evans. Hopefully he drops to us and not get picked by the Jets who I am guessing might be our main competition for him. But I think it is a reasonable guess and not just wishful thinking in your mock. And the Jets do need to do something about their pass rush-or their TE play.

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

Originally Posted by ursula

I would LOVE Evans. Hopefully he drops to us and not get picked by the Jets who I am guessing might be our main competition for him. But I think it is a reasonable guess and not just wishful thinking in your mock. And the Jets do need to do something about their pass rush-or their TE play.

Actually think that they could look at receiver and te in rounds two and three because this draft is just deep at both positions.

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

Man...looking at that mock...this is a very deep draft.

Having to choose between Evans and Kujo? Tough.

Good job as usual wicked.

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Although Walsh's system of offense can compensate for lack of talent; however, defense is a different story. According to Walsh, talent on defense was essential and could not be compensated for. What did Walsh do in 1981? He acquired physical and talented players on defense.

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

Love your work here Wicked. Evans would be great but with Hageman and O Linemen like Kouandjio, Richardson, Erving and the OT from Auburn (cannot remember his name) still available, this is a tough call.

Honestly, I'd still like to see us trade down to a lower No. 1 and get a 2nd and 3rd (Cleveland calling anyone?) but that might be too much to ask.

Until we get a major change in offensive coaching philosophy, I'm afraid that whomever we pick whether on the O Line or as a receiver will just be misused or wasted!

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

Originally Posted by PalladinInNC

Love your work here Wicked. Evans would be great but with Hageman and O Linemen like Kouandjio, Richardson, Erving and the OT from Auburn (cannot remember his name) still available, this is a tough call.

Honestly, I'd still like to see us trade down to a lower No. 1 and get a 2nd and 3rd (Cleveland calling anyone?) but that might be too much to ask.

Until we get a major change in offensive coaching philosophy, I'm afraid that whomever we pick whether on the O Line or as a receiver will just be misused or wasted!

Yea, for me Evans is a top player in this draft. I think he could be to our offense what Alshon Jeffery, Vincent Jackson and Dez Bryant are to theirs.

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

I am a huge fan of Yankey.

I wouldn't be a Yankee fan if you paid me! Oh, what's that? Yeah wicked I gotcha now. I do like the two offensive players you've mocked. The Ravens do need a top-notch WR and Oline help. Aside : thanks for putting in so much time into making a mock draft so early. I usually don't get deeply involved until March. Your effort is appreciated... Bc

Re: 2014 Mock Draft - Wicked's Second Edition (Lots of Changes)

I like Yankey a great deal too. I just don't know if he'll last that late in the 2nd round. However, if he does not, a consolation prize of either Gabe Jackson or Greg Robinson (the OT from Auburn who's name I couldn't remember) would work just fine for me. Any of these 3 in the 2nd round would add some serious run blocking and nasty attitude that the OL definitely needs!

And if Evans is gone when we pick, we can always go for a OT/G in the 1st instead and go for either Matthews or Robinson in the 2nd.

This draft will have some incredible offensive talent this year. It's going to be fun!